Arcana Rising: The Arcana Chronicles, Book 4

The Emperor unleashed hell and annihilated an army, jeopardizing the future of mankind - but Circe struck back. The epic clash between them devastates the Arcana world and nearly kills Evie, separating her from her allies. With Aric missing and no sign that Jack and Selena escaped Richter's reach, Evie turns more and more to the darkness lurking inside her. Two Arcana emerge as game changers: one who could be her salvation, the other her worst nightmare.

From Burning Ashes: Collector Series, Book 4

In this final installment, Zoey's strength, determination, and trust are put to the ultimate test. In the fight to protect the people she loves and stop DMG from experimenting on fae, humans, and animals to create soldiers, she learns the reality of how far Dr. Rapava will go to achieve his ultimate mission.

Torn: A Wicked Trilogy, Book 2

Everything Ivy Morgan thought she knew has been turned on its head. After being betrayed and then nearly killed by the Prince of the Fae, she's left bruised and devastated - and with an earth-shattering secret that she must keep at all costs. And if the Order finds out her secret, they'll kill her. Then there's Ren Owens, the sexy, tattooed Elite member of the Order who has been sharing Ivy's bed and claiming her heart.

Broken

At the tender age of seven, Jess Riley's parents were ripped out of her life by the Tear, a ripple of white light in the sky which randomly transports people from Earth to alternate realities and distant planets once a year. On the night the Tear first appeared, the Watchers, a mysterious group of men possessing supernatural powers, made their presence known to the leaders of the world, earning their complete trust to deal with the turmoil the Tear caused.

Blood Vow: Black Dagger Legacy, Book 2

The Black Dagger Brotherhood continues to train the best of the best to join them in the deadly battle against the Lessening Society. Among the new recruits, Axe proves to be a cunning and vicious fighter - and also a loner isolated because of personal tragedy. When an aristocratic female needs a bodyguard, Axe takes the job, though he's unprepared for the animal attraction that flares between him and the one he is sworn to protect.

Kindred

In the second book of The Watcher Chronicles series, Jess finally learns where her father has been since the Tear first opened. While Mason tries to keep his distance from her, Jess continues to search for the other vessels with Chandler by her side. This series is intended for a mature audience. Recommended for ages 17 and older due to sexual situations and adult themes. If I were to use the movie rating system, I would rate this series an R.

Annihilate: Hive Trilogy, Book 3

There are two things Charlie Bennett despises: bullies and vampires. Which in her experience, are really the same thing. After the battle with the Quorum, she's left with no other option. The vampires' rule must end. But when more shocking secrets are uncovered Charlie wonders if she'll be alive long enough to follow through with her plan.

The Beauty of Darkness: The Remnant Chronicles, Book 3

Lia and Rafe have escaped Venda, and the path before them is winding and dangerous - what will happen now? This third and final book in The Remnant Chronicles is not to be missed. Best-selling author Mary E. Pearson's combination of intrigue, suspense, romance, and action makes this a riveting listen for teens.

Wicked: A Wicked Saga, Book 1

Twenty-two-year-old Ivy Morgan isn't your average college student. She, and others like her, know that humans aren't the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun... and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. Four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she'd sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart. Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He's six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm.

Invidious

My name is Jemma Blackburn, and I'm a Slayer. Finding out I wasn't human was only the beginning of my problems. My best friend, Taylor, is still missing, and so is the Immortal Amulet, and it's my job alone to get them both back. I don't know who I can trust, and I'm still not sure I'm cut out for any of this, but I'm determined to figure it all out, or die trying. As if that wasn't bad enough, there's a new enemy in town and they've come bearing gifts - an ancient prophecy that is going to blur the very lines between good and evil. And, apparently, my blood is tied to the center of it.

City in Embers: Collector Series, Book 1

Zoey Daniels has been tossed from foster home to foster home, where she grows up fast and tough. When she is placed in her "last chance" home, she finds a reason to stay and turn her life around: her foster sister, Lexie, who is paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. After high school, Zoey is hired by a special government agency, the Department of Molecular Genetics (DMG), where she meets the other reason to remain: Daniel, her coworker. The man she loves. But there is something unique about Zoey.

Devastation: A Beauty and the Beast Novel: A Beastly Tale, Book 3

Abused and rejected, Benella strives to regain a purpose for her life, and finds herself returning to the last place she ever wanted to see. She must learn when it is right to forgive and when it is time to move on.

Oblivion

Jess and Mason begin their search for Faison and find themselves in a world where everything is turned upside down. Jess' relationship with Lucifer takes a turn she didn't expect, which prompts God to give her a mission she's not sure she'll survive.

Empire of Storms

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't. As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

The Affiliate

On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, 17-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland - an Affiliate to the Queen. Or so she thinks. When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems.

Vernal: A Royal Protector Academy Novel

Sheltered, and unable to escape her bloodline, Serena St. Michael has spent the last two years training at the Royal Protector Academy. Struggling with a dark past, Tristan Gallagher's current assignment is to protect a lifetime of secrets. One chance encounter will change everything. Serena must decide if she will follow her heart, forsaking all she's ever known and risking a future worse than non-existence. Tristan will break every rule to save Serena, even if he can't keep her. In their world of darkness, one love will ignite an ancient war.

Relentless

Sara Grey's world shattered 10 years ago when her father was brutally murdered. Now, at 17, she is still haunted by memories of that day and driven by the need to understand why it happened. She lives a life full of secrets, and her family and friends have no idea of the supernatural world she is immersed in or of Sara's own very powerful gift. In her quest for answers about her father's death, Sara takes risks that expose her and her friends to danger and puts herself into the sights of a sadistic vampire.

Deceit: A Beastly Tale, Book 2

Safely hidden within the estate's enchanted walls, Benella no longer has time to fear her tormentors. She's too preoccupied attempting to determine what makes the beast so beastly. It might be the taxing visits from the aged enchantress who cursed him or his growing vexation at not being allowed to touch Benella.

Inception

My name is Jemma Blackburn, and I have a secret. I know vampires are real. I watched one murder my father eight months ago, and even though they tried to convince me it didn't happen - that I'd lost touch with reality due to the trauma, I know what I saw was real. Hollow Hills is now the place I call home. It was supposed to be my chance at a normal life. My chance to bury my secret and start over.

Drantos

For most, a plane crash means the end of life. For Dusti Dawson, it's just the beginning...Dusti and her sister Batina survived the crash, thanks to a couple of brothers who are equal parts menacing and muscled. She'd be grateful...if they hadn't turned out to be delusional kidnappers, who believe Dusti's grandfather is some monstrous halfbreed creature bent on murder. Turns out Vampires, Lycans, and Gargoyles do exist - and they've been crossbreeding to form two hybrid races.

The Kiss of Deception: Remnant Chronicles

As First Daughter, Princess Lia is expected to have the revered gift of sight - but she doesn't - and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom - to a prince she has never met. On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive - and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her.

Ascension

In the finale of The Watcher Chronicles, Jess finally learns what Lucifer's plans are for the world. The vessels discover what their destinies are, and Jess must face the most difficult decision of her life.

The Heart of Betrayal: The Remnant Chronicles

Held captive in the barbarian kingdom of Venda, Lia and Rafe have little chance of escape...and even less of being together. Desperate to save her life, Lia's erstwhile assassin, Kaden, has told the Vendan Komisar that she has a magical gift, and the Komisar's interest in Lia is greater than either Kaden or Lia foresaw.

A Shadow Bright and Burning: Kingdom on Fire, Book 1

Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. Forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she's shocked when, instead of being executed, she's invited to train as one of Her Majesty's royal sorcerers. Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the chosen one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients, bloodthirsty demons terrorizing humanity. She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees.

Publisher's Summary

22 Arcana cards. 22 young assassins. May the best hand live. Introducing The Arcana Chronicles from number one New York Times best-selling author Kresley Cole.

She could save the world - or destroy it.

Sixteen-year-old Evangeline 'Evie' Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future - and they're still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can't do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can't totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But ii's not always clear who is on which side....

I am a fan of Kresley Cole's work, so I did not think twice before purchasing this audio book. I was not disappointed!

Of course, this is not the usual adult fiction that you might expect from this author: this is obviously meant for teens (some romance, some 'heat' here and there, but markedly toned down in comparison with, say, the Immortals After Dark series).

I loved the story. The fantasy world woven throughout is captivating, the characters are interesting, and I could not predict most of what was going to happen in the story. The writing is excellent, and even though there are some 'teen story cliches' in a few places (some 'Twilight' flavor at the start), you forget it as the mysteries unfold. Kept me hooked from beginning to end!

Best of all with this audio book: the narrators. The novel is split into parts that are alternately narrated by the main character (Evelyne) and a vilain (Arthur). Each is read by a different narrator, and both do an AMAZING job of it! I am convinced that though reading this novel on paper would be great, the narrator performance makes this an audio must!

WOW! I was a little nervous when I first heard Kresley Cole was taking a break from her IAD series to write a YA novel. But, I gave it a try and was NOT disappointed. I really LOVED this book. As always, Ms. Cole is amazing at story-telling and world building. She is brilliant at character development and her imagination is genius! Emma Galvin is a PERFECT narrator for YA books (she is one of my favorites).

It’s been a long time since I’ve been considered a “young adult” but I have to say I absolutely love this genre. (Dare I say I have a crush?)

This is definitely a credit worthy read, especially for fans of YA and/or Kresley Cole.

If you could sum up Poison Princess in three words, what would they be?

Fun, Sexy, Dark.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Poison Princess?

Jack, Evie and the motorcycle...or maybe Jack, Evie and the pool....sigh.

What about Emma Galvin and Keith Nobbs ’s performance did you like?

I found this book by searching for other titles narrated by Emma Galvin, after listening to the Divergent series. She is quickly becoming my favourite narrator and does an excellent job, once again. Keith Nobb was appropriately creepy, but I did find myself waiting for Evie's parts to resume.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

A qualified YES. I struggled to get through the first few chapters of the book. I downloaded it based solely on the good reviews and my admiration of Emma Galvin's narration skills, but I didn't know much about the author. The teen language and dialogue rings true and, as an adult, I thought I might be in for a difficult listen but boy was I wrong. After I got used to the author's style, the story was sexy and exciting, and I found myself staying up late to finish the book. A few times, I even stayed in the car to finish the next chapter!

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out. This is a great start to a promising series. I almost didn't get past the first few chapters but I am so glad that I stayed with it. This was definitely one of my favourite audiobooks of 2012, Young Adult or otherwise.

A word to parents: I like to pre-screen books that my tween daughter might be interested in, so I listen to a lot of YA. This is not a book for tweens (or maybe even younger teens). There is a fair amount of drinking, strong language and sexual content. The protagonist is 15/16, and that's about the minimum age I'd be comfortable with.

I am a huge Kresley Cole fan, and I thought I'd try this book, even though it is marketed for "teens." It is awesome. It has a lot of similarities to the Hunger Games, but in my opinion, much better and more interesting. The narrators are great and really bring the story to life. I could not stop listening. I think this is appropriate for high school girls, but adults will love it as well. The ending was great and I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Fans of Kresley Cole already know she is incredibly talented at spinning a tale, and is very good at paranormal romance and "bodice ripper" fiction. I think writing for a YA audience has truly unleashed her greatest talents. It is not just he lack of endless sex scenes, which, to be fair, she works well into her adult fiction, but which occasionally trump ( or at least direct) the story, that has made this a superior work. In this story she has focused her powers of plot, or weaving an amazing story, of real character development, of creating tension, mystery, motivations for her characters and their missions beyond finding some ultimate mate, as much of her ( and most paranormal romance adult fiction) focuses on. And wow, unleashing that is has truly set free her creativity and cleverness and ability to capture her audience in an adventure that truly will captivate.

I am such a sucker for apocalyptic stories, but this is so much more than that - and the world built is one that (though obviously incredibly fictional) somehow draws the reader in as plausible... Amazing stuff. It is a bit dark at times, but overall, that element makes sense and doesn't overwhelm the story at all, and fits in perfectly... Just give it some time. The mood of this book is incredible and the reader will feel deeply attached to all the main characters and their plight.

Of course, there is a hefty dose of romance, and having read her adult fiction, I have to say this is the very best developed relationship of all her work, the characters and their relationship are the most compelling, with little "love at first site, irresistible draw to each other" stuff going on, and rather an incredibly complex set of emotions and meaningful interactions, and a strong background in place, and a very well grounded, well developed, and real basis for deep caring and attraction and love... And the obstacles thrown in their path only strengthen the bond, and never feel like conveniences which will ultimately make the inevitable bedding in the next chapter seem more meaningful... This is on a new level.

So many other have already sung the praises of this book... I will only second all of that and interject that I believe Kresley Cole, who, though she has always been a very interesting and talented writer, has really found her niche here and that this is her best work, and I hope she will continue this path.

I’m obsessed with Poison Princess. Really…no lie! I’m totally and completely obsessed. Who would have thought that someone would take the 22 trump cards from The Major Arcana Tarot deck, create characters from them, and then write a totally awesome book? There are so many things that make this book fan-friggin-tastic, and I’ll do my best to tell you why without revealing spoilers.

The whole story was very well done. It starts out in the point of view of this obviously psychotic and creepy dude who has just lured a girl into his home, and that had me terrified of what might happen next. But you don’t get to find out what happens next until quite a bit later because the next scene is in the point of view of the popular girl at school, Evie, who is returning after the normal school summer break. Except Evie’s summer break (little do her friends know) was anything but normal…she spent her summer in a mental institution and has no doubt in her mind that she’s truly insane. But is she really? It’s when the apocalypse happens that she realizes that she might not be so crazy after all.

One of the things that makes this book so phenomenal is the characters. And, even though I can’t say which character I like best because I have so many favorites, each one made me want to learn more about the characters of the tarot. So it’s pretty cool that The Arcana Chronicles website shows all the trump cards and the story character associated with each card. If you want to head on over to The Arcana Chronicles website, go to Fun Stuff and just click on a trump card to flip it over to see if Kresley Cole’s introduced that card in her series. Oh, one last thing! I do want to especially mention one character…Jack Deveaux! Boy is he drool-worthy but, at the same time, what a complete jerk!

There’s action, heartbreak, and romance in Poison Princess…and more than enough complications throughout the last half of the book to make the story move really fast. And then the end is so unbelievably well done! It ties everything up but, at the same time, it leaves you suspended with a phenomenal cliffhanger. It was awesome! This is a must read…like right now. Or, listen to the audio if you like because that’s what I did.

I picked this book on a whim not expecting much more than you're typical YA novel. You know, girl meets boy, personal reasons keep them from working together even though they both secretly want it. What I found was an immersive tale about a world of adventure and self discovery. The romance is still there, but at least it felt slightly more driven by events in the story rather than lame teenage angst. I recommend this book not to people who search for their next dystopian fix, but for people who enjoy interesting characters and the unfolding of a universe unlike any other I have experienced. Going into this book, I knew absolutely nothing about tarot, but I found the use of it to be fun and new. Solid story and great narration with entertaining characters.

In a totally good way! This is a great, GREAT book/story. Loved the characters, Evie and Jackson. They both had depth and so much more going for them (not to mention going on within them) than you see on the surface. You've got to love a teenaged herione that you can really get behind...she is intelligent, compassionate, sometimes funny, and stronger than she knows. The conflicts with her own emotions and feelings (i.e. for Jackson) are realistic for the age and don't deminish her character. I liked the way she held such respect for the people formerly in her life that she had lost. The pace of the story was practically breathtaking, with no lack of twists and turns. It may have taken me just a little while to completely get into the story and get an idea where it was going, (and you may agree), but then I was totally hooked with no going back. It was much different than I expected based on the summary and the cover. At first I thought "what?" the summary did not give me any idea what this story was really like. Looking back again at the synopsis, I find that while it does lay out the basic idea of the plot, still the characters, the dialogue, and all the details are much different than what I expected and I was won over as a total fan just the same. Ms. Cole is killing me with the ending that is pretty much a heart-and gut-wrenching cliffhanger. I will be anxiously waiting for the next installment. Emma Galvin does a wonderful job with the narration, as usual. The male narrator was good for his part, but I was really creeped out by his part in the story. A least that part is explained by the end of this book. Please bring on book two soon! Highly recommend!

I had avoided this as I was worried a YA by kresley would not hold a candle to her IAD series ... Then one day had a spare credit and decided to take a chance .... The end result ... 3 nightshifts flew by . I admit I was wrong and this story really caught me . I can't wait for the next instalment

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Suzanne Finnegan

Dublin, Ireland

9/1/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Fantastic!"

This was my first venture into the world of audio books and I'm sorry that I waited so long. I was concerned that I would find it hard to concentrate on the story if I was busy doing other things, like housework etc., but I had no such problem. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and didn't feel like I was working at all. While I have no experience otherwise, I enjoyed how these narrators, Emma Galvin and Keith Nobbs, portrayed the characters. And I feel that this job being well done, added to my enjoyment of the book overall.

The basic concept of this book comes from a Tarot card deck. For every card, there is a teenager who represents it.

Evie is pretty, popular and well off, living in the second biggest house in town. Jackson, is a Cajun, from the Bayou, where their houses are little more than shacks. Evie and her friends look down at the Cajun's when they start at their school, but after the Flash, it seems Jackson may be the only one left who can protect her.

This book begins with the POV of Arthur, a creepy guy who keeps girls in his cellar. When Evie stumbles upon his house and begins to tell him her story, we move onto her POV. We learn about her life before the Flash, and after, about her mother, Jackson, and other interesting characters we meet along the way.

Evie and Jackson were both really likeable characters. Their relationship starts out really antagonistic with Evie hating the fact that she has to rely on him. As they journey across the country together, her feelings for him change. Very frustratingly though, she doesn't trust him enough to share the secrets he knows she has, and this is pushing him away. Maybe even into the arms of another girl.

The secondary characters that they pick up along the way were an interesting bunch, each one representing one of the Tarot cards. Celena is the moon card, and the bringer of doubt. Phin is the magician and Matthew, the psychic, is an autistic boy that Evie looks to for direction, but who sometimes just leaves her with more questions.

I thought the ending of this was just brilliant. Answering a question I'd been wondering about the entire book. Evie embraces her power and what she can do and as we finish, Jackson is just staring at her open mouthed. I'm really excited for the next book.

*As I listened to this one, I feel that some of the names/words may be spelt differently than what appeared in the book, so apologise for any discrepancies.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Elinor Dashwood

Johannesburg, South Africa

2/14/13

Overall

"Fabulous!"

Even though I normally can't stand paranormal or fantasy elements, I loved this book. The focus stays mainly on the relationship between Evie and Jack - who is the most gorgeous hero since ever.

I thought the narrator was excellent, too. She really mastered the French and Cajun accents, and did a good job of differentiating between characters without this intruding on the story.

My only complaint? The sequel isn't out yet!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

Wales

11/27/12

Overall

"Another winner!"

Kresley Cole is already one of my favorite authors and this new series is well up to her usual high standard - the narrators of the book (especially Emma Galvin) are brilliant and it is the first book in ages that I didn't know where it was going and didn't want it to end - well done and I eagerly await the next in the series and keep my fingers crossed that Ms Galvin will be narrating again.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

joe

10/18/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"DNF for me."

This was so bad. The immortal after dark series is outstanding and one of my favourites so I was expecting more when I started this. The main character is so weak and always thinking aboy

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

L

7/3/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Utter rubbish"

This book was dreadful. The story is rubbish and the main character is needy, whining and weak. She lets herself be pushed around and bullies into things simply because she wants to stay popular. Plus the author really shouldn't be encouraging young girls to allow themselves to be pushed into having sex just so their boyfriends won't leave them. What a disgrace! Surely we should should be teaching girls to have a little self respect and to never allow themselves to be bullies into any sexual activity they don't want. Will never read/listen to anything by this author again.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Charlotte

3/10/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"This book got me hooked on Audio listening!"

After the first 4 Chapters I was hooked. This book is different from the normal 'thriller' genre I read but I really enjoyed it. The narator was excellent. I quickly got used to the American accent and really liked her. The story evolved slowly but became more gripping. I'll be reading the second book of the trilogy and also realised that another book I'd already added to my 'wish list' is read by the same narrator, so I'm now looking forward to that even more. I'm a beginner to audio books. This is the 3rd book I tried and I massively enjoyed it.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

FanaticReader

UK

3/9/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Good start of series"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. If you liked books with mythology, tarot cards, romance, an apocalypse situation and plenty of action this is the book for you.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Poison Princess?

This is a silly question. I'd be spoiling the story. I would just say to pay attention to Evie's dreams.

Have you listened to any of Emma Galvin and Keith Nobbs ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Only this series.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was sad with a couple of events but I didn't cry.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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